Ofcom Warns Online Services Not To Delay Safety Measures
Ofcom has reminded online services, including social media and dating platforms, that their existing obligations under the UK’s Online Safety Act remain in force despite the Government’s plans to introduce additional protections for children.
The regulator issued an open letter to online services alongside a blog outlining its approach to supervision and compliance. Ofcom said announcements about future measures, including plans to prevent under-16s from accessing social media services, do not change providers’ current legal responsibilities.
Platforms that are likely to be accessed by children must currently complete Children’s Access Assessments and, where applicable, identify and assess risks using Ofcom’s Children’s Register of Risks and Risk Profiles. Services must then implement relevant measures from Ofcom’s Codes of Practice or alternative measures that meet the same duties, while maintaining appropriate records. They must also continue assessing risks from illegal activity that could affect children and take steps to address those risks.
The Government has indicated that some additional protections are expected to come into force from spring 2027. These include a proposed ban on social media services for under-16s, restrictions on harmful functions across other online services, default restrictions for 16- and 17-year-olds on certain harmful features, and a ban on under-18s accessing AI chatbot services primarily offering sexualised content.
Ofcom said it is working with the Government ahead of the changes and will publish a rapid assessment of highly effective age assurance at age 16 in October 2026. It will also consider whether existing guidance and Codes of Practice need to be updated once the new requirements are established.
The regulator said it expects full compliance with current duties and will monitor whether services are implementing safety measures effectively. It also warned that it will take enforcement action where platforms fail to comply. Ofcom said its wider priorities remain improving protections for children, tackling illegal content including hate and terrorism, and protecting women and girls.
